Australia – Update to Defence support to Queensland flood disaster

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, in his capacity as Acting Minister for Defence, today visited the newly established Headquarters Joint Task Force 637 (JTF637) which is conducting Operation Queensland Flood Assist. Mr Snowdon visited the Brisbane-based Headquarters where he received briefings from the ADF Commander, Colonel Luke Foster, and his team on the scope of support which the ADF is providing to the Queensland Government-led flood rescue and relief efforts.

“The scale of devastation experienced by the people of central Queensland as a result of these floods saddens me,” Mr Snowdon said, “but in times of crises Australians are renowned for pulling together to help each other out and I note that this crisis is no exception.

“I am heartened by the way in which the numerous organisations and agencies have pulled together to rescue and assist those who are suffering at this time.”

Defence will continue to operate closely with Queensland Emergency Services to provide subject matter expertise, planning and coordination of the ADF support to the civil led flood response.

The ADF has already provided support to State and Federal emergency management agencies by assisting with the evacuation of people from the towns of Theodore, Emerald and Condamine, as well as providing emergency food drops and medical supplies to Queensland people isolated by the flood waters.

The ADF will continue to review the situation in coordination with Emergency Management Queensland and provide a commensurate level of support within available resources.

Press release Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, Australia